Domestic Violence Help Guide

Wednesday 26 April, 2023 Written by 
Domestic Violence Help Guide

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Domestic violence exploded during the first two months of the COVID-19 outbreak. In the U.S., there was a 30% increase in spousal/partner abuse towards women, and the U.K. saw a similar increase as well – 25%. Similarly, there has been an uptick in violence against men and the elderly, with financial strain caused by the pandemic being noted as the main stressor in domestic situations. Still, there is no updated, comprehensive resource that tells you where to go if you are suffering such horrible violence or know someone who is a victim.

Such a resource is critical, as there are abusive partners that have made use of the pandemic itself as a tool of terror. In many cases, they withhold medication, insurance cards, and even the ability to go purchase hand sanitizer from their victims – all while public health procedures, such as mass quarantines, prevent any chance of escape; this is on top of the pre-existing threat of violence that constantly looms over their heads.

Sadly, you can’t trust the government either. Social Services aren’t getting the necessary funds in these times, and non-profit rescue organizations can’t do it alone. It is our duty to help the victims of this viciousness and not forget that there are victims of abuse across all age groups and genders.

In this guide, you will find every possible contact and useful tips that will help you to stop being a bystander, take action, and save lives (without putting your own at risk).

Because North America is so culturally diverse, the prevalence of domestic violence differs greatly from country to country. However, intimate partner violence is the most serious in the United States, which may be because of the high levels of gun ownership as well as the fact that many victims of domestic violence are afraid to report it for fear of reprisals.

Domestic Abuse has been outrageously common in the USA, long before the COVID-19 plague. In fact, 50% of women visiting emergency rooms nationwide have a history of abuse, and 40% of those murdered by their abuser tried to get help in the last 2 years before their death. In too frequent of circumstances, they didn’t get enough help from their surroundings – and in these times of lockdowns and mobility limitations, it’s even harder for them to reach out. According to recent research, domestic violence across all genders and age groups has increased by 30% in the U.S. during March and April alone.

It seems the next murder is right around the corner. The U.S. has seen an increase in violent risk factors: Gun sales reached a 7-year peak, with 1.9 million firearms sold in March 2020 alone; and liquor sales also rocketed by 31.7% in the same period, in comparison to 2019.

These contacts can help stop the next death and save a person’s life.

Antigua and Barbuda Adults Antigua and Barbuda Support And Referral Centre
phone: 268 463 5555
Bahamas Everyone Bahamas Crisis Centre
phone: 1 800 737 732
message on Facebook
Belize Everyone Cornerstone Foundation
phone: 222 4343
Canada Children (under 18) Kids Help Phone
phone: +1 800 668 6868
Women Assaulted Women’s Helpline
phone: 1.866.863.0511
Alberta Council of Women
phone: 1 800 363 9010
Emergency Ready in Canada
message on Facebook
Men National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1-800-799-7233
phone: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Older Adults (over 60) ElderCare
phone: 1-800-677-1116
Costa Rica Women Cefemina
phone: 506 2224 3986
message on Facebook
Dominica Everyone She Will Survive
phone: 1-800-8477
Dominican Republic Women Ministerio de la Mujer RD
phone: +1 809-685-3755
message on Facebook
Everyone phone: 809 200 1202
phone: 809-200-7212
 El Salvador Women Organización de Mujeres Salvadoreñas por la Paz
phone: 503 2556 0032
 Grenada Women GNOW – message on Facebook
phone: 473 440 3788
Guatemala Women Fundación Sobrevivientes
phone: 2285 0100/0139
message on Facebook
Haiti Women KAY FANM – HAÏTI
phone: (509) 2 45 5174/4221
message on Facebook
Honduras Everyone Teléfono De La Esperanza de San Pedro Sula
phone: 150
Jamaica Women Woman Inc. Crisis Centre
phone: 929 9038
message on Facebook
Mexico Children (under 18) Teléfono ANAR México
phone: 01800 911-1119
Women Secretaría de las Mujeres
Linea para Mujeres: 800 108 4053
INMUJERES
phone: +52 55 5322 6030
message on Facebook
Men Secretaría de las Mujeres
Linea para hombres: 800 900 4321
Nicaragua Women phone: 118
message on Facebook
Saint Kitts and Nevis Everyone Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs
phone: +1 869-467-1275
message on Facebook
phone: +1 869-467-1223

message on Facebook
Saint Lucia  Women The St. Lucia Crisis Centre Corporation
phone: (758) 453-1521
USA Children (under 18) Childhelp USA
phone: 1-800 422 4453
Women The National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1 (866) 331-9474
Men VictimConnect
phone: 1 (855) 484-2846
Older Adults (over 60) ElderCare
phone: 1-800-677-1116
Survivors, Legacy Families, Angel Babies Break the Silence Survivor Helpline
phone: 1 (855) 287-1777
message on Facebook
Military Members & Their Families DoD Safe Helpline
phone: 1 (877) 995-5247

 

United Kingdom: Domestic Abuse Accounts for 16% of All Violent Crime

 

 The 25% jump in U.K. abuse reports isn’t surprising. A recent study shows that the pandemic exposed severe flaws in the government’s approach to domestic abuse.

Funds promised to services that support victims of domestic abuse back in October 2019 have not yet been supplied. This is surprising, considering the Government signed the Istanbul Convention in 2012 to reaffirm the U.K.’s strong commitment to tackle violence against women and girls. In reality, most of the U.K.’s 48 support services had to shut down at least one of their support channels. Abuse victim shelters are nearing full capacity, and the COVID-19 outbreak made everything worse – particularly for minorities.

We need to take the initiative and help people ourselves. This list will show you contacts that are still available and can help save lives today.

Childline
phone: 0800 1111
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
phone: 0808 200 0247
Women Juno Women’s Aid
phone: 0808 800 0340
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
phone: 0808 200 0247
Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland)
phone: 0800 917 1414
message on Facebook
Men Respect Men’s Advice Line
phone: 0808 8010327
Respect
message on Facebook
Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141
LGBTQ+ Community Galop
phone: 0800 999 5428
message on Facebook
Women & Men Respect Phoneline
phone: 0808 802 4040
Ireland Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 1800 66 66 66
Women Women’s Aid
phone: 1800 341 900
Men Men’s Aid Ireland
phone: 01-5543811
Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141
Scotland Children (under 18) NSPCC
phone: 0808 800 5000
Women Scottish Women’s Aid
phone: 0800 027 1234
Scottish Women’s Aid
phone: 0131 226 6606
Men Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
phone: 01823 334244
Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141
Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
phone: 0800 027 1234
Wales Children (under 18) NSPCC
phone: 0808 800 5000
Women Welsh Women’s Aid
Live Fear Free Helpline
phone: 0808 80 10 800
Men Safer Wales
phone: 0808 80 10 800
Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141

 

European Union: Men and women are almost equally affected by domestic violence

 

As COVID-19 grew in Europe, cases of domestic violence simply skyrocketed.

Designated hotlines in Spain reported a 47% increase in women calling for help and a shocking 700% increase in online approaches from victims. Calls for help increased by 40% in Austria, and in France there’s been a 36% increase in police interventions for cases of abused women and children since the outbreak.

Being locked in with their abuser made calling for help harder than ever. Women in France and Spain had no choice, and began asking for help from pharmacists when they managed to go out to get medications. You can help make a difference by utilizing these contacts – whether you’re a victim of Domestic Abuse in the E.U. yourself or know somebody there who is being abused.

Domestic Violence Resources in Europe

 

Children (under 18) Child Helpline International
Women Women Against Violence Europe
Men Men’s Action Network
Older Adults (over 60) Age Action
Albania Women Women and Girls Advice Line (Linja e Keshillimit per Gra dhe Vajza)
phone: 116
message on Facebook
Andorra Everyone Servei d’Atenció a les Víctimes de Violència Domèstica i Familiar
phone: 181
Austria Women Women’s Helpline Against Violence
phone: 0800 222 555
message on Facebook
Belarus Everyone National Hotline for Survivors of Domestic Violence
phone: 8801 100 8801
Belgium
 
Women Crisis Situation Helpline
phone: 0800/30.030
phone: 106 (Flemish)
phone: 107 (French)
phone: 108 (German)
Adults Ecoutes Violences Conjugales (French)
phone: 0800 30 030
Violence Hotline (Flemish)
phone: 1712
Bosnia and Herzegovina Women & Children (under 18) SOS Line for Women and Children
phone: 1264 (Republika Srpska)
phone: 1265 (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina)
message on Facebook
Bulgaria Women Women’s Helpline
phone: 359 2 981 7686
Croatia Women Autonomous Women’s House in Zagreb
phone: 0800 55 44
Cyprus Everyone Center for Emergency Assistance Helpline
phone: 1440
Czech Republic Everyone DONA Line
phone: +420 251 51 13 13
Denmark Women LOKK Hotline
phone: +45 70 20 30 82
Estonia Women Tugitelefon
phone: 1492
Finland Women Women’s Line (Naisten Linja)
phone: 358-800-02400
message on Facebook
France Women Violences Femmes Info
phone: 3919
Viols Femmes Information
phone: 0800 05 95 95
Georgia Everyone Anti-Violence Network of Georgia
phone: 309 903
message on Facebook
Germany Women National Women’s Helpline
phone: 08000 116 016
Greece
Women E.K.K.A. (National Center for Social Solidarity)
phone: 197
message on Facebook
Adult General Secretariat for Gender Equality
phone: 15 900
message on Facebook
Hungary Women & Children (under 18) NaNE Helpline for Battered Women and Children
phone: 06 80 505 101
Iceland Everyone Kvennaathvarfið Shelter Helpline
phone: 561 1205
Ireland Everyone National Freephone Helpline
phone: 1800-341-900
message on Facebook
Italy Everyone Antiviolenza Donne
phone: 1522
message on Facebook
Kosovo Everyone Direct Line for Victims of Violence
(Albanian) (Bosnian)
phone: 0800 11112
message on Facebook
SOS Linja
phone: 381 39 033 00 98
Latvia Everyone Crisis Helpline
phone: 67222922
Liechtenstein Women Women’s Helpline Frauenhaus
phone: 423 380 02 03
Lithuania Women Women’s Line (Lygus)
phone: 8800 66 366
message on Facebook
Luxembourg Women Fraentelefon
phone: 12 344
Macedonia Everyone National SOS Line – Phone of Trust
phone: 15 315
message on Facebook
SOS National Mobile Line
phone: 389 75 141 700
phone: 389 77 141 700
Malta Everyone Appogg Agency Supportline
phone: 179
Moldova Everyone Trust Line
phone: 8008 8008
Montenegro Everyone SOS Helpline For Victims of Violence
phone: 080 111 111
phone: 202 322 54
Netherlands Everyone Veilig Thuis
phone: 0800 2000
Norway Everyone Crisis Situation Helpline
phone: 800 40 008
Poland Everyone National Emergency Service for Survivors of Family Violence
phone: 801 12 00 02
National Emergency Service for Survivors of Family Violence – Blue Line
phone: 22 668 70 00
message on Facebook
Portugal Everyone Serviço de Informação às Vitimas de Violéncia Doméstica
phone: 800 202 148
Romania Women ADRA (Bucharest)
phone: 021 25 25 117
Baia Mare: Centru Artemis
phone: 0262 25 07 70
CMSC (Iasi)
phone: 023 225 29 20
Sensi Blue Foundation (Bucharest)
phone: 021 311 46 36
Sibiu: A.L.E.G.
phone: 075 389 35 31
Targu Mures: IEESR
phone: 026 521 16 99
Timisoara: APFR
0256 29 3183
Russia Everyone ANNA (National Center for the Prevention of Violence)
8 800 7000 600
San Marino Women Rosa Hotline

phone: 800 738 738

Serbia Women Network of Women’s Hotline in Vojvodina
0800 10 10 10
Everyone Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence
0800 100 600
Slovakia Women National Line for Women Surviving Violence
0800 212 212
message on Facebook
Slovenia Women & Children (under 18) SOS Helpline for Women and Children
080 11 55
message on Facebook
Spain Everyone Helpline for Information on Gender Violence
016
message on Facebook
Sweden Everyone Kvinnofridslinjen
020 50 50 50
Terrafem
020 52 1010
Switzerland Everyone Dargebotene Hand
143
Ukraine Everyone Domestic Violence Counteraction and Child Rights Protection Hotline
0800 500 335
0800 500 336
message on Facebook

 

Africa: a Third of All Women Have Experienced Violence

 

There has been a surge in domestic violence cases in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study by the United Nations, 70% of women in Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners. This number is even higher for women living in poverty or with disabilities.

During the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the number of domestic violence cases reported. In Nigeria, for example, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported a 50% increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period.

In South Africa, the police have reported a 25% increase in domestic violence cases since the start of the pandemic. This is likely because many women are now working from home and are, therefore, more accessible to their abusers.

The increased stress and anxiety of the pandemic have also led to an increase in domestic violence against men. In Kenya, the National Gender Violence Recovery Centre (NGVRC) has seen a 30% increase in the number of men seeking help for domestic violence since the pandemic began. The NGVRC has also seen an increase in the number of men reporting sexual violence.

Afghanistan Women Afghan Women’s Resource Center
phone: +93 799 203 056
phone: +93 700 280 179
message on Facebook
Armenia Women Women’s Support Center
phone: 099 887 808
message on Facebook
Azerbaijan
Children (under 18) Child Helpline Azerbaijan
phone: 116111
Other phone: 99 412 408 5696
Bahrain Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: 17262237
message on Facebook
Bangladesh
Women She Will Survive
Abuse Helpline phone: 966 4699
Bhutan Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: (975) 2 332159/334751
Brunei
Women She Will Survive
Abuse Helpline phone: 673 340524
Cambodia Women Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center
phone: 1288
China Children (under 18) Child Abuse Hotline
phone: 12338
Women Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
Men Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
Older Adults (over 60) Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
India Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 1098
Women National Commission for Women
phone: 7827170170
Zariya
message on Facebook
Men Men Helpline
phone: +91-9911666498
Older Adults (over 60) The Dignity Foundation
phone: 18002678780
Indonesia Children (under 18) Indonesian Commission for the Protection of Children
phone: 129
Women National Commission on Violence against Women
phone: + 6221 390 3922
Men The UN Refugee Agency
phone: +​​62 811 1000 424
Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Line
phone: 112
Iran Everyone Organization for Defending Victims of Violence
phone: 21 88 96 30 91
message on Facebook
Iraq Women Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq
phone: 110
message on Facebook
Israel Women WAVO
phone: 1202
message on Facebook
Japan Women Women’s Resource Center
phone: 092 513 7333
Jordan Women The Jordanian National Commission for Women
phone: 6 568 7037
message on Facebook
Kyrgyzstan Abuse Helpline phone: 281 455
Laos Domestic Violence Helpline phone: 1362
Lebanon Women Lebanese Council for Combating Violence Against Women
phone: 6 624 060
message on Facebook
Myanmar Women Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation
phone: 067-419-173
message on Facebook
Nepal Women The Women’s Foundation Nepal
phone: +977 1 515 5080
message on Facebook
Saudi Arabia Everyone MLSD 24-hour domestic violence helpline
phone: 1919
Singapore Women Aware
phone: 18007775555
South Korea  Women Korea Women’s Hotline
phone: 1366
message on Facebook
Sri Lanka Everyone CCCLine
phone: 1333
phone: 94 11 4 715585
Taiwan Everyone 113 Protection Hotline
phone: 113
Tajikistan Everyone Project on Prevention of Domestic Violence
phone: (91) 1892 221 527/198
Thailand Children (under 18) phone 1387
Everyone Social Help Centre
phone: 1300
phone: 02 276 2950
Timor-Leste Abuse Helpline phone: 390 321 534
Turkey Children (under 18) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Women Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Men Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Vietnam Children (under 18) National Child Hotline
phone: 111
Women Accompanying Women’s Development Support Hotline
phone: 1900969680
Abuse Helpline CSAGA Gender Violence Hotline
phone: 024 3333 55 99phone: (971) 34 36/31 43
Yemen Everyone Family Counseling & Development Foundation Yemen
phone: 136

 

Asia: Rampant Domestic Violence Is Linked to Cultural Trends

 

 Following worldwide trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence in Asia has also increased. Reports indicate that in China, domestic violence hotline calls increased by 20%, while in South Korea, domestic violence reports increased by 30%, and in India, domestic violence cases increased by 40%.

With many people losing their jobs or having their hours reduced, it’s likely that arguments about finances have increased. This, combined with the anxiety and stress of the pandemic, as well as members of households being confined together for long periods, has resulted in frustrations being taken out on each other, often leading to abuse and violence.

Sadly women are affected far more in Asia, with 80% of domestic violence victims in China and 90% of victims in India being women. This is largely due to cultural attitudes in the region where women are often seen as subordinate to men and are, therefore, less likely to speak out or seek help if they are being abused.

Afghan Women’s Resource Center
phone: +93 799 203 056
phone: +93 700 280 179
message on Facebook
Armenia Women Women’s Support Center
phone: 099 887 808
message on Facebook
Azerbaijan
Children (under 18) Child Helpline Azerbaijan
phone: 116111
Other phone: 99 412 408 5696
Bahrain Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: 17262237
message on Facebook
Bangladesh
Women She Will Survive
Abuse Helpline phone: 966 4699
Bhutan Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: (975) 2 332159/334751
Brunei
Women She Will Survive
Abuse Helpline phone: 673 340524
Cambodia Women Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center
phone: 1288
China Children (under 18) Child Abuse Hotline
phone: 12338
Women Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
Men Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
Older Adults (over 60) Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388
India Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 1098
Women National Commission for Women
phone: 7827170170
Zariya
message on Facebook
Men Men Helpline
phone: +91-9911666498
Older Adults (over 60) The Dignity Foundation
phone: 18002678780
Indonesia Children (under 18) Indonesian Commission for the Protection of Children
phone: 129
Women National Commission on Violence against Women
phone: + 6221 390 3922
Men The UN Refugee Agency
phone: +​​62 811 1000 424
Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Line
phone: 112
Iran Everyone Organization for Defending Victims of Violence
phone: 21 88 96 30 91
message on Facebook
Iraq Women Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq
phone: 110
message on Facebook
Israel Women WAVO
phone: 1202
message on Facebook
Japan Women Women’s Resource Center
phone: 092 513 7333
Jordan Women The Jordanian National Commission for Women
phone: 6 568 7037
message on Facebook
Kyrgyzstan Abuse Helpline phone: 281 455
Laos Domestic Violence Helpline phone: 1362
Lebanon Women Lebanese Council for Combating Violence Against Women
phone: 6 624 060
message on Facebook
Myanmar Women Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation
phone: 067-419-173
message on Facebook
Nepal Women The Women’s Foundation Nepal
phone: +977 1 515 5080
message on Facebook
Saudi Arabia Everyone MLSD 24-hour domestic violence helpline
phone: 1919
Singapore Women Aware
phone: 18007775555
South Korea  Women Korea Women’s Hotline
phone: 1366
message on Facebook
Sri Lanka Everyone CCCLine
phone: 1333
phone: 94 11 4 715585
Taiwan Everyone 113 Protection Hotline
phone: 113
Tajikistan Everyone Project on Prevention of Domestic Violence
phone: (91) 1892 221 527/198
Thailand Children (under 18) phone 1387
Everyone Social Help Centre
phone: 1300
phone: 02 276 2950
Timor-Leste Abuse Helpline phone: 390 321 534
Turkey Children (under 18) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Women Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Men Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183
Vietnam Children (under 18) National Child Hotline
phone: 111
Women Accompanying Women’s Development Support Hotline
phone: 1900969680
Abuse Helpline CSAGA Gender Violence Hotline
phone: 024 3333 55 99phone: (971) 34 36/31 43
Yemen Everyone Family Counseling & Development Foundation Yemen
phone: 136

 

South America: the Highest Rates of Gender-based Violence in the World

 

 A study by the UN Women’s Office for South America found that domestic violence increased by 25% during the pandemic. The study also found that men were more likely to perpetrate violence than women and that the vast majority of victims were women between the ages of 18 and 34.

The increase in domestic violence can be attributed to a number of factors, including stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, social isolation, and economic insecurity. The UN Women’s study found that women who experienced violence were more likely to live in households with lower incomes, to have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and to have experienced anxiety and depression.

Argentina Children (under 18) Childhelpline
phone: 102
Women Línea 144
phone: 144
Men Línea 144
phone: 144
Older Adults (over 60) Línea 144
phone: 144
Women & Children (under 18) There Is A Way Out Civil Association
phone: +54 9 11 6897-7876
message on Facebook
Bolivia Women Casa del Mujer
phone: 591 4 663 8517
message on Facebook
Brazil Children (under 18) TECA
phone: +55 21 2589 5656
Women Dial Human Rights
phone: 100
Men Dial Human Rights
phone: 100
Older Adults (over 60) Dial Human Rights
phone: 100
Chile Women Red Chilena Contra la Violencia Hacia las Mujeres
phone: 800 104 008
message on Facebook
Colombia Children (under 18) Linea 106
phone: 106
Women 123 Mujer Hotline
phone: 123
Men Línea Salvavidas
phone: 3117668666
Older Adults (over 60) Línea Salvavidas
phone: 3117668666
Ecuador Everyone Cepam Quito

phone: 098 63 62 526
message on Facebook

Guyana Women Fundación Sobrevivientes
phone: (592) 227-3454
Paraguay Women Linea mujer

phone: 137

Peru Children (under 18) Fundación ANAR
phone: 0800 22210
Women PNP Women and Children Protection Center
phone: +63 919 777 7377
Men Línea 100 Violencia familiar y sexual
phone: 100
Older Adults (over 60) Línea 100 Violencia familiar y sexual
phone: 100
Suriname Women Stop Violence Against Women Foundation
phone: +597 470 0380
Trinidad and Tobago Everyone Families in Action
phone: (868) 628-2333
phone: 800 7283
Uruguay Everyone Red Uruguaya Contra la Violencia Doméstica y Sexual
phone: 0800 4141
message on Facebook
Venezuela Women Fondo de Población de las Naciones Unidas
phone: 0800-MUJERES (6853737)
message on Facebook

 

Oceania: the Highest Prevalence of Lifetime Intimate Partner Violence

 

 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of domestic violence across Oceania. In Australia, for example, the National Domestic Violence Helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls since the pandemic began. Women’s shelters in New Zealand have also reported being full to capacity, with many women forced to sleep in their cars or on the streets.

The statistics on domestic violence are alarming, with one in four women in Australia and one in three women in New Zealand experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lives. In Fiji, the figure is even higher, with nearly half of all women reporting experiencing violence from a partner.

While domestic violence affects women of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among young women. In Australia, for example, one in five women aged 18-24 experience violence from a current or former partner.
The impact of domestic violence goes beyond physical injury. Women who experience violence from a partner are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. They are also at greater risk of developing substance abuse problems and can have difficulty maintaining employment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even harder for women to escape abusive relationships, with many shelters forced to close their doors due to the risk of infection. Women who are able to leave their partners often have nowhere to go, with many families unwilling to take them in for fear of contracting the virus.

The situation is particularly dire in Papua New Guinea, where there has been a marked increase in reports of domestic violence since the pandemic began. In a country where violence against women is already widespread, the pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with many women finding themselves trapped at home with their abusers.

Australia Children (under 18) Kids Help Line
phone: +61 7 1800 55 1800
Women National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
phone: 1800 737 732
message on Facebook
Men National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
phone: 1800 737 732
message on Facebook
Older Adults (over 60) National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
phone: 1800 737 732
message on Facebook
Fiji Women Fiji Women’s Crisis Center
phone: 3313 300
message on Facebook
Kiribati Women & Children (under 18) Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre (KWCSC) Helpline:
phone: 191
landline: 750 21000
Police Domestic Violence and Sexual Offenses Unit The Commonwealth Says No More
phone: 26187
Marshall Islands Women Women United Together Marshall Islands
phone: +692 625 5290
message on Facebook
New Zealand Children (under 18) Kidsline
phone: 0800 543 754
Women Women’s Refuge
phone: 0800 733 843
Men Shine
phone: 0508 744 633
message on Facebook
Older Adults (over 60) Are You OK
phone: 0800 456 450
Papua New Guinea Everyone 1-TOK Kaunselin Helpim Lain
phone: 71508000
message on Facebook
Samoa Everyone Samoa Victims Support
phone: 68522640
message on Facebook
Solomon Islands Everyone Empower Pacific
phone: +677 30065
phone: 677 26999
Tonga Women & Children (under 18) Women & Children Crisis Center Tonga
phone: +676 222 40
message on Facebook
Vanuatu Women Vanuatu Women’s Centre

phone: +678 25764
message on Facebook

 

How can I tell if someone is being abused?

 

It’s not always clear. In many cases, you can hear the fights, pangs of violence, cries, or see a victim with bruises – while in many other cases, you won’t be close enough for that.

There are critical indications you can be aware of, however, and know when you’re talking to a person in need of help.

For example: A person who said their abuser – a spouse, family member, or other type of partner – doesn’t let them communicate with their children, family, or friends, using Coronavirus as an excuse.

Another indication is a person who has no financial control over their own lives and can’t spend any money without approval from their partner – not even for an office gift or a lunch. One more possible indication is a person who just won’t speak about their relationship or partner at all, mostly out of fear of repercussions.

What can I do to help?

 

 Remember that many cases of Domestic Abuse end in murder. They also more frequently include rape, severe injuries, and unimaginable emotional scars – including (and often especially) for the children in the household. Therefore, it is your duty to help the authorities get to the victims and end their nightmare. This is how you’ll do it without risking your own life.

  1. Don’t push the victim.
    Sometimes it seems odd that a person being abused won’t file a complaint against their spouse or abuser to end her suffering – and people will just pressure her to do so. Remember that you don’t know what the victim has gone through, and reporting the abuse might be horrifying for them. Sometimes they try to protect their abuser out of fear, or a feeling that they deserve such abuse. Therefore, they will need your help – and not a lecture about how they need to stop suffering and help themselves.
  2. Don’t be afraid to make an anonymous report.
    Call the police if you hear an active, ongoing incident – you might very well be saving that victim’s life.
  3. Call a support service.
    Every one of the services listed here is well-trained in cooperating with the police, social services, and other relevant bodies. They can give you advice regarding the specific case at hand, and contact the victim themselves without mentioning you at all.
  4. Avoid the abuser.
    You’re trying to help a victim by getting the right professionals on the case, not by taking the law into your own hands or getting into trouble. Don’t talk to the abuser, even if you’re well acquainted, and don’t threaten them. Leave them for the cops and legal system.
  5. Keep things confidential.
    While helping a person in need is grounds for praise on social media, it might also expose that case and cause new or additional hardships for the victim. Also, a person who’s fishing for praise on Facebook or Twitter might play into the hands of the abuser’s lawyers, saying your report was dishonest as you were in it only to gain likes and popularity.

Sources:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2020/04/policy-brief-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/europe/domestic-violence-coronavirus-lockdown-intl/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/28/three-women-killed-in-spain-as-coronavirus-lockdown-sees-rise-in-domestic-violence
https://www.wcpo.com/news/coronavirus/number-of-domestic-violence-hotline-calls-on-the-rise-since-self-isolation-period-started

Author: Xeandran Naicker.

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